Drug Name

Tramadol

Drug Uses

Tramadol is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain when treatment is needed around the clock. Tramadol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How Taken

Use Tramadol as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take this medication with a full glass of water.
• Take Tramadol by mouth with or without food, but take it the same way each time.
• Do not take more than 300 milligrams of tramadol in one day.
• Swallow Tramadol whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
• Continue to take Tramadol even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Tramadol is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain when treatment is needed around the clock. Tramadol is an analgesic. It works in certain areas of the brain and nervous system to decrease pain.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Store Tramadol at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Tramadol out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Tramadol if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Zyban;
• you have severe diarrhea due to taking an antibiotic;
• you are intoxicated with alcohol, other opioids or narcotics (e.g., morphine, codeine), sedatives or sleeping medicines (e.g., temazepam, zolpidem), or other medicines;
• you are taking nefazodone, carbamazepine, or sodium oxybate (GHB).

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:

• Tramadol may cause drowsiness and dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Tramadol with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Tramadol ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Tramadol may cause dizziness; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase this effect. To prevent it, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of this effect.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Tramadol before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Use Tramadol with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Tramadol should not be used in children younger than 16 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Tramadol has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Tramadol while you are pregnant. Tramadol is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Tramadol.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation;
• diarrhea;
• dizziness;
• drowsiness;
• increased sweating;
• loss of appetite;
• nausea.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);
• agitation;
• fainting;
• fever;
• incoordination;
• muscle stiffness or tremor;
• seizures.

More Information

Tramadol is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.